The Colorado Child Safety Coalition, which includes the Colorado Juvenile Defender Center (an NJJN member), has issued a new report that documents the rampant abuse of restraint and solitary by the Colorado Division of Youth Corrections.

The New York Times editorial board referenced brain science in calling for the state to raise the age of jurisdiction to 18. Building on this brain science research, the MacArthur Foundation’s Research Network on Law and Neuroscience issued a policy brief that argues that young adulthood, (18-21 year olds), merits consideration as a special developmental stage with unique justice responses.

Coalition for Juvenile Justice’s new report outlines ways to ensure that young people do not experience homelessness as a result of their involvement with the juvenile justice system. CJJ also issued a report on the essential role of federal funding for youth justice.

Campaigns and Actions

Please sign a letter of support urging Congress to appropriate adequate funding for youth. Here is the google formwhere your organization can sign on. Please disseminate widely. Deadline for sign-ons: April 3rd.

Sign on here to the Save the Kids 2017 5th Annual National Week of Action against Incarcerating Youth.

Interested in knowing what police reform activity is happening around the country? Here’s a great place to start: Campaign Zero.